1 April 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

MERIDIAN FM, East Grinstead’s own radio station, has celebrated its first birthday as a full-time channel.

Launching the community-based station on 1 March 2010 in the middle of a recession was a tough call, admitted manager Pru Oliver.

But the experience of the past 12 months has also been a rewarding one which now sees 22,000 listeners regularly tuning in on the internet alone.

The station, which is run by a team of volunteers, features music, local news and interviews.

“Our mantra is Your Radio, Your Station. We are here to support the business and social life of the community, and to make a positive difference to life in East Grinstead and its surrounding villages,” said Pru.

New ideas in the pipeline in the coming months are a food festival and the Meridian Awards, to “celebrate the best the town has to offer”.

“We are striving the whole time to improve the content and quality of our service, and to give a greater voice and support to the community as a whole.”